In Theory

Thanksgiving is Nov. 26. What is there to be thankful about, given that the nation still appears to be mired in two foreign wars, thousands more U.S. troops may be on their way to Afghanistan, and tens of thousands of American jobs are being lost every month despite signs that the economy finally is brightening?

Seriously? Somebody woke up on the wrong side of bed, or has no context for global suffering to think that we have it bad. Yes, 10% of Americans are jobless, but 90% are working. Even the homeless have places to find food and occasional shelter. I have been in shanty towns in Africa with human feces on the front doorstep. I have seen naked babies crawling on the streets in Eastern Europe.

I also saw an amazing sunset the other night off the Balboa Pier over a glassy red tide that reached all the way to Catalina, and while we’re amazed at the beauty of our world, a sea lion stirred the incandescent waters below us while playing in the waves. No, this isn’t the world it could be, but it is definitely not nearly as bad as it could be. We have more to be thankful for than most people on this planet, despite all the whining.

Ric Olsen

Lead Pastor

The Beacon

We have much to be thankful for. There has never been a time in the world’s history when we could not point to terrible and trying events.

The scriptures are replete with references that stress gratitude. We should seek out and acknowledge our blessings so we can dwell on them rather than the things that distress us. Taking for granted our many blessings is an affront to God and robs us of the joy we could experience in our lives.

Truly, we have much to be thankful for at this special time of year, and we should take the opportunity to recognize our bounty by assisting those who are less fortunate. This is what makes America great, and we are America!

Tom Thorkelson

Director of Interfaith Relations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Attitude adjustment may be necessary this year for “anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25) and “Let your attitude be the same as was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5) is great advice! And, as W.C. Fields said, “Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.”

On Thanksgiving Day, as we “accentuate the positive” and “look on the bright side of life,” let’s be grateful for the beauty of this world and for the splendor of the whole creation, for the wonder of life and for the mystery of love. Let’s thank the Giver of all good gifts for the blessing of family and friends and for the loving care which surrounds us, for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us, and even for disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our interdependence with one another and realistic and holy hope to be and do better and better.

(The Very Rev.’d Canon) Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

I believe that if people took a close look they would find plenty to be thankful for. In the United States, we should be grateful for our freedom and proud of our country’s benevolence to the less fortunate. Opportunities that exist here for education and free enterprise cannot be found everywhere. Things are anything but perfect, to be sure, reminding us that there are consequences for poor and sometimes immoral choices. We pray that after this period of cleansing we may be more grateful for God’s blessings. May we be people of hope.

Fr. Stephen Doktorczyk

St. Joachim Church

Costa Mesa

It is true that injustice in the world seems to be all consuming. With war, poverty and inequality on all of our minds, we certainly could get swallowed up in despair. The election in Maine this week left me in tears, overwhelmed by a never-ending struggle. And yet, even as we find ourselves inundated with bad news, worried about the state of the world, and troubled about our future, there is always space for gratitude. God has given us the gift of life and love.

Even when our lives seem wrought with pain and strife, we see God in the face of the people we interact with on a daily basis. We can always be grateful for love. I am thankful for the relationships I have, my family and friends, and for the opportunity given me each day, to work for justice, spread peace, and share love. The simple act of giving thanks reminds me of the many blessings in my life.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

Thanksgiving is more an attitude of the heart than it is outward circumstances. Americans, more than any other people in the world, have much to be thankful for. We live in the greatest country on Earth; we have freedoms that are unparalleled. We have a living standard that, even in the midst of recession, is the envy of most of the world. Most of us are surrounded by family and loved ones in our homes and churches.

We live in a country where we can worship God freely. Our service men and women are willing to put their lives on the line to protect these God-given liberties at home, and secure them for others.

We would be wise to follow the example of King David who said in Psalm 30:12: “O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” Thankfulness should be a part of every American’s life!

Pastor Dwight Tomlinson

Liberty Baptist Church of Newport Beach

We give thanks to God, in season and out of season, not primarily because things are going our way but because all creation is in the hands of a gracious and merciful God. Roman Catholics celebrate Eucharist (commonly called “Mass”) daily throughout the year. The word comes from the Greek, meaning “thanksgiving.” Whatever be the occasion, a joyful wedding or a tear-drenched funeral, the prayers of the Mass remain exactly the same, except for four brief prayers specific to the occasion.

We offer thanksgiving prayers in times of peace and war, abundance and famine for God is with us and for us; and that is what counts. This stretches our imagination. The cynic walks away. But we continue to be thankful. It is our act of faith that God will take our broken history and make us whole.

Msgr. Wilbur Davis

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church

Thanksgiving in its deepest spiritual meaning is not gratitude for what we have acquired or accomplished or received or even survived. Thanksgiving at its best is a recognition in our heart and soul and mind that God gives us life, and we cannot live well or right — with wholeness and holiness — without embracing and honoring that life. Once we make this recognition, we discover Thanksgiving is a spirit, not a day, a journey, not an action, an attitude, not a response, and a gift to be shared with others.

Pastor Mark Wiley

Mesa Verde United Methodist Church

Costa Mesa